Newport Harbor’s second trial anchorage goes forward

NEWPORT BEACH — A battle of who would have the right to enjoy the largest chunk of open water within Newport Harbor ended with boating interests coming out ahead last month, as the Newport Beach City Council voted on May 24 to establish a temporary anchorage at the Turning Basin. It is the second time Newport Beach is trying out the free public anchorage at the far end of the harbor. The 6-1 vote came at the behest of a few voices who viewed the establishment of a public anchorage – temporary or otherwise – at the Turning Basin as a challenge to the quality of life of waterfront residents. Last month’s decision came just ahead of the Memorial Day holiday. Both the city’s Harbor Commission and Harbor Resources Department hoped the second trial run of the temporary anchorage would be set up in time for Memorial Day and continue through Labor Day. Newport Beach Harbor Commissioners Paul Blank and Duncan McIntosh campaigned for the temporary anchorage at the May 24 council meeting. McIntosh said his colleagues and the city’s Harbor Resources Department learned many lessons from last year’s temporary anchorage. Those lessons were incorporated into the decision-making process to bring the temporary anchorage...